Jackson, 47, announced his resignation in a letter sent to House Speaker John Boehner Wednesday.

"For 17 years I have given 100% of my time, energy, and life to public service," Jackson wrote. "However, over the past several months, as my health has deteriorated, my ability to serve the constituents of my district has continued to diminish. Against the recommendations of my doctors, I had hoped and tried to return to Washington and continue working on the issues that matter most to the people of the Second District. I know now that will not be possible."

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ma & pa

17 years is a long time to so devote ones self to duty that one almost forgets how to feel interest and joy in life's simple goodness. We hope Jesse Jackson Jr. can find some bright pieces of interest, of his choosing, to bring happiness as time goes along.

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